Support system for data transmission lines

ABSTRACT

A support system for data transmission lines and the like, comprising a rail section supported generally horizontally, a splice for connecting the rail section and another structure, and a fastener for securing the splice to the rail section. Each rail section has a hollow box beam portion having a top wall, opposite side walls and a bottom wall. Each splice has a central part and first and second end parts, the first end part being receivable in an open end of the box beam portion of the rail section and the second end part being connectable to the structure. The central part of the splice has an outside width immediately adjacent the first end part of the splice essentially the same as the outside width of the rail section immediately adjacent its open end thereby to provide smooth junctures between the central part of the splice and the rail section at opposite sides of the rail section when the first end part of the splice is received in the rail section.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/175,591, filed Dec. 29,1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,658.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to what is referred to in the industryas "cable tray" systems used to support electrical wiring, cables andconduit, and more particularly to a lightweight cable tray system whichis especially adapted for supporting data transmission lines and thelike.

For years electrical contractors have used cable tray to supportelectrical cables and the like in elevated position. One type ofconventional cable tray comprises a ladder-like structure made of twoparallel rails connected by a series of rungs, typically supported fromoverhead beams by vertical rods or hangers. This system is of relativelyheavy-duty construction for supporting relatively heavy electricalconductors, cable, conduit and the like, and is particularly suited fornew construction rather than rehabilitation of existing buildings.Another type of cable tray comprises a single center rail having aseries of arms extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of therail. The single center rail is also typically supported by verticalrods or hangers.

The aforementioned types of cable tray are not especially suited for theburgeoning computer and telecommunications industries where a typicalinstallation involves thousands and perhaps millions of runs of datatransmission lines, and they are especially ill-equipped for jobsinvolving the rehabilitation and modernization of existing buildings toinclude new telephone, computer and other telecommunications systems. Insuch buildings, there is often insufficient horizontal space betweenexisting ductwork, columns and other structural members to installsufficient cable tray of existing design to carry the multiplicity oflines associated with the new systems being installed in the building.Conventional cable tray systems are too bulky, too inflexible in theirability to snake through existing corridors of space, and too expensive.Moreover, they are unable to efficiently separate and segregatedifferent groups of data transmission lines according to function,application, or other criteria to make installation, repair and/orreplacement more convenient.

There is a need, therefore, for a new and inexpensive cable tray systemespecially suited for computer and telecommunications applications, andparticularly adapted for use in existing buildings where availablecorridors of space are limited, especially in the horizontal direction.

Another problem associated with conventional cable tray systems is thatassembly and installation of the system requires the use of nut and boltfasteners. The use of such fasteners is not only burdensome andtime-consuming, but any misplacement or droppage of metal parts in atelecommunications area can cause significant disruptions and possibledamage to sensitive electrical equipment.

There is a further need, therefore, for a support system which can bequickly and easily assembled and installed with little or no use ofmetal nut and bolt fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provisionof a cable tray system which is especially suited for supporting datatransmission lines and the like; the provision of a cable tray systemwhich is lightweight and strong but relatively inexpensive; theprovision of such a system which is able to take greater advantage ofvertical corridor space for carrying a greater number of electricalconductors, data transmission lines, and the like; the provision of sucha system which is capable of segregating different lines at differentvertical elevations according to selected criteria; the provision ofsuch a system which is constructed so that it can readily "snake"(weave) through tortuous corridors of space to accommodate existingductwork, columns, structural members and other blocking structures; theprovision of such a cable tray system in which connected sections ofcable tray are continuously electrically conductive; the provision ofsuch a system in which the connections between adjacent cable traysections are smooth and continuous to avoid snagging and/or damage tothe lines being carried by the system; the provision of such a systemwhich eliminates the exposure of lines being carried by the system tofasteners and other elements which might cause snagging of the linesand/or damage to the lines; the provision of such a system in which thecapacity of the cable tray may be increased by adding extensions in thevertical direction; the provision of such a system in which adjacentcable tray sections are readily connectable without the use ofconventional fasteners (e.g., nut and bolt fasteners); the provision ofsuch a system which meets existing electrical codes and standards (e.g.,the National Electric Code, and the standards of the TelecommunicationsIndustry Association and Electronic Industry Association); the provisionof such a system which has a minimum number of component parts tofacilitate installation of the system; and the provision of such asystem which permits ready routing of data transmission lines.

In general, a support system of this invention for data lines and thelike comprises a rail section adapted to be supported generallyhorizontally. A support system for data transmission lines and the like,comprising

a rail section adapted to be supported generally horizontally, each railsection having a hollow box beam portion comprising a top wall, oppositeside walls and a bottom wall,

a splice for connecting the rail section and another structure,

each splice having a central part and first and second end parts, thefirst end part being receivable in an open end of the box beam portionof said rail section and the second end part being connectable to saidstructure, and

a fastener for securing the first end part of the splice in the box beamportion of said rail section,

the central part of the splice having an outside width immediatelyadjacent the first end part of the splice essentially the same as theoutside width of the rail section immediately adjacent its said open endthereby to provide a smooth coplanar juncture between the central partof the splice and the rail section when the first end part of the spliceis received in said rail section.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a support system of the present invention forsupporting data transmission lines and the like;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective of a rail section of the supportsystem;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of the supportsystem illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of another alternative embodiment of the supportsystem shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view of the support system illustrated in FIG. 1 havingextensions which extend the vertical lengths of supports of the system;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 1showing a splice of the system interconnecting two rail sections (partsof the system are removed for clarity);

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the splice with portions removed to reveal adetent for releasably connecting the splice to a rail section;

FIG. 8A is a cross section of the splice and detent of FIG. 8 showingthe splice connected to a rail section;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of a splice of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a "tee" splice;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a "cross" splice;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of a "pivot" splice with parts adapted to pivotabout a generally vertical axis;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the pivot splice of FIG. 12 supported by arod;

FIG. 14 is a perspective of a pivot splice releasably connecting tworail sections;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of the pivot splice of FIG. 14 with partsadapts to pivot about a horizontal axis;

FIG. 16 is a top plan of the support system incorporating pivot splicesfor weaving around structural elements such as a column;

FIG. 17 is a perspective of the support system illustrating railsections and supports of another embodiment;

FIG. 18 a cross section taken along line 18--18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective similar to FIG. 17 with the rail sectionsinverted;

FIG. 20 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of the supportsystem shown in FIGS. 17-19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective of an alternative support system;

FIG. 22 is a perspective of a hub adapted for use with the supportsystem;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective of an alternative hub design;

FIG. 24 is a perspective of a support structure of an alternativeembodiment having a plurality of tray members;

FIG. 25 is an end view of the support structure shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective of two support structures as show inFIGS. 24 and 25, and a pair of splices for connecting the two supportstructures;

FIG. 27 is a perspective of two support structures interconnected bypair of splices and suspended by a pair of hangers; and

FIG. 28 is a cross section taken along line 28--28 of FIG. 27.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numeralsin the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and first to FIG. 1, a support system fordata transmission lines and the like is generally indicated at 1. Thesystem 1 is shown as comprising a rail 3 divided into a plurality ofrail sections, each section being generally designated 5, and splices(one of which is shown in FIG. 1 and indicated generally at 7) forconnecting the rail sections end to end. The rail sections 5 aretypically supported in horizontal position by vertical rods or hangers 9(one such rod being shown in FIG. 1), but it will be understood that therail sections can be supported in other orientations (e.g., vertical orat an angle) without departing from the scope of this invention. Thesystem 1 also includes a plurality of supports, each designated 11,extending down from the rail sections 5 at intervals spaced along therail sections. As will be described in more detail later in thisspecification, these supports 11 are designed to support a series ofhorizontal runs of electrical cable, data transmission lines and thelike (designated C in the drawings) at different vertical elevations.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, each rail section 5 has an upper box beamportion, generally indicated at 13, comprising a top wall 15, oppositeside walls, each designated 17, and a bottom wall 19, all of whichcombine to define an upper interior space indicated at 21. The railsection 5 is also formed to have a lower portion 23 comprising a pair ofgenerally parallel, spaced apart vertical legs, each designated 25,extending down from the bottom wall 19 of the upper box beam portion 13,and a lower wall 27 spaced below the bottom wall of the upper box beamportion. The lower portion 23 of the rail section 5 defines a lowerinterior space 29. The underside of the bottom flange 27 has a groove 31therein running the length of the channel generally along thelongitudinal vertical centerline of the rail section 5. Similar grooves,each of which is also designated 31, are formed in the upper surface ofthe top wall 15 of the upper box beam portion 13 and in the upper andlower surfaces of the bottom wall 19 of the upper box beam portion.These grooves 31 facilitate field drilling of holes in the rail sections5 for reasons which will be described later. The central longitudinalportions of top wall 15, bottom wall 19 and lower wall 27 are of reducedthickness to further facilitate field drilling. The rail section 5 is ofsuitable material, typically metal (e.g., aluminum), but it may be alsobe of plastic in certain applications. It is preferably a one-pieceextrusion which is cut to suitable length either in the factory or inthe field.

Each support 11 comprises a generally vertical column 35 (referred tohereinafter as a "trunk") extending down from a respective rail section5, and a series of arms 37 extending laterally outwardly from the trunk35 along the length of the trunk at different elevations, thearrangement being such that the arms 37 of each support 11 cooperatewith the arms 37 of the other supports 11 for supporting a series ofhorizontal runs of data transmission lines and the like at the aforesaiddifferent elevations.

The trunk 35 is preferably an extruded tubular member of generallyrectangular cross section, the upper end 39 of which extends up throughan opening 41 in the lower wall 27 of the rail section 5 and abutsagainst the bottom wall 19 of the upper box beam portion 13 of the railsection. The opening 41 through which the trunk 35 extends may be formedby cutting three sides of the opening and bending the resultant flap upinto the interior of the lower portion 23 of the rail section 5. Thetrunk 35 is secured in place by a suitable screw fastener 45 threadedthrough one vertical leg 25 of the lower portion 23 of the rail section5 into the trunk. A horizontal groove 31 extending the length of eachvertical leg 25 facilitates proper placement and installation of thisscrew fastener through either leg of the lower portion 23 of the railsection 5. It is preferable that the trunk 35 be dimensioned so that ithas a relatively snug fit between the two legs 25 of the lower portion23 of the rail section 5 so that when the screw fastener 45 is in place,the trunk is stably secured in position relative to the rail section.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, two arms 37 extend laterallyoutwardly from opposite sides of the trunk 35 at a plurality ofdifferent elevations (e.g., four elevations). Each pair of arms 37 maybe made from a single extruded tubular member, preferably ofnon-circular (e.g., rectangular) cross section, extending throughopenings 47 in opposite sides of the tubular trunk 35 having shapescorresponding to the cross sectional shapes of the tubular membersforming the arms. The benefit of using non-circular shapes is that thearms 37 are held against rotation with respect to the trunk 35. Also,the non-circular shapes are preferably such as to provide relativelybroad flat surfaces for stably and safely supporting the lines thereon.Suitable means may be used to hold the arms 37 against lateral shiftingrelative to the trunk 35. For example, the arms 37 may be stakedimmediately adjacent the trunk on opposite sides of the trunk 35. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, each arm 37 has a straight horizontal innersection 49 and an upwardly and outwardly bent outer section 51, but itwill be understood that the arms may have other configurations. Theupper two arms 37 preferably abut the underside of the lower wall 27 ofthe lower portion 23 of the rail section 5.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment where each rail section 5 isattached to a vertical wall 53 by means of a threaded fastener 55extending horizontally through the upper box beam portion 13 of the railsection 5 and into the wall. In this embodiment, the arms 37 extendlaterally outwardly from each trunk 35 at only one side of the trunk.

FIG. 5 shows still another support design in which the arms 37 extendlaterally out from the trunk 35 at four sides of the trunk. Morespecifically, the pairs of arms 37 alternate in their direction ofextension from the trunk 35, with the top pair of arms 37 extending outfrom a first pair of opposite sides of the trunk 35, the next lower pairextending out from a second pair of opposite sides of the trunk, thenext lower pair extending out from the first pair of opposite sides,etc. The arrangement is such that the two arms 37 at each elevation are90 degrees offset with respect to the arms 37 immediately above and/orbelow. Other arrangements of arms 37 on the trunk 35 may also be usedwithout departing from the is scope of this invention.

It will be understood from the foregoing that the arms 37 of one support11 cooperate with the arms 37 of other supports 11 on the rail sections5 for supporting runs of data transmission lines and the like. As noted,the rail sections 5 and supports 11 are preferably extruded members toensure economical manufacture of high quality parts having consistentdimensions. Moreover, these parts are formed with rounded edges andother design features intended to minimize the risk of snagging ordamage to lines being carried by the system.

Referring now to the FIG. 6, the system 1 further comprises a pluralityof extensions 61 for extending the vertical lengths of the supports 11in the event this is desirable. Each extension 61 comprises a column ortrunk extension 63 adapted to be attached to a lower end of a respectivetrunk 35, and one or more arms 65 extending laterally outwardly from thetrunk extension 63. The cross sectional shapes and configurations of thetrunk 63 and arms 65 of the extension are preferable identical to thethose of the main trunk 35 and arms 37. Indicated at 67 is meanscomprising a splice member for attaching the trunk extension 63 to thetrunk 35 of a support 11 to be extended. The splice member 67 comprisesa tubular member (also preferably a one-piece extrusion) sized for asnug telescoping fit inside the lower end of the main trunk 35 and theupper end of the trunk extension 63. Screw fasteners 69 extendingthrough holes 71a in the trunk 35 and trunk extension 63 and holes 71bin the splice member 67 fasten the main trunk and trunk extension to thesplice member. The extension 61 may be as long as needed, with anynumber of levels of arms 65.

Referring back to FIG. 1, each splice 7 has a central part 73 and firstand second end parts, each designated 75, the end parts 75 beingreceivable in the opens ends of the upper box beam portions 13 of tworail sections 5 to be connected by the splice 7, and means generallydesignated 77 for securing the end parts 75 of the splice 7 inrespective box beam portions 13 of the two rail sections 5. As describedin more detail below, the central part 73 of the splice has an outsidewidth immediately adjacent each end part of the splice essentially thesame as the outside width of the rail section immediately adjacent itsopen end to provide a smooth coplanar juncture between the central partof the splice and the rail sections when the end parts are received inthe rail sections. The first and second end parts 75 and the centralpart 73 extend along a longitudinal axis 78, as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the central part 73 of the splice 7 isgenerally rectangular in shape, having two opposing generally parallelside walls 79, 81, a pair of opposing generally parallel ends defined byend walls 83, 85, and a central vertical sleeve 87 defining a verticalbore extending the full height of the splice member 7. The sleeve 87 isconnected to the side 79, 81 and end 83, 85 walls by vertical webs 89extending diagonally with respect to the central part of the splice 7.The sleeve 87 is designed to receive a vertical support rod 9 forsuspending the splice 7 (and the two rail sections 5 connected by thesplice) from a suitable support structure, such as an overhead beam.

Each end part 75 of the splice 7 has a pair of opposing generallyparallel side walls 91, 93 extending endwise from a respective end wall(83 or 85) of the central part 73, a vertical sleeve 95 defining a borecentrally located between the side walls 91, 93 and extending the fullheight of the splice 7, and vertical webs 97 connecting the sleeve 95 tothe side walls 91, 93 of the end part 75. The overall width of each endpart 75 as measured from the outside face of one side wall (e.g., sidewall 91) to the outside face of the other side wall (e.g., side wall 93)is less than the overall width of the central part 73 as measured fromthe outside face of one side wall (e.g., side wall 79) to the outsideface of the other side wall (e.g., side wall 81), four exteriorshoulders 99 thus being formed at the corners of the central part 73.

The spacing between the outer faces of the side walls 79, 81 of thecentral part 73 of the splice 7 corresponds to the spacing between theouter faces of the side walls 17 of the box beam portions 13 of the tworail sections 5 being connected by the splice 7 member so that when theend parts 75 of the splice are received in the box beam portions 13 ofthe rail sections 5, the outer faces of the side walls 79, 81 of thecentral part 73 of the splice 7 are essentially coplanar (flush) withthe outer faces of the side walls 17 of the box beam portions 13 of therail members 5, and the end edges of the rail sections 5 abut theshoulders 79 at the corners of the central part 73 of the splice 7 (asshown in FIG. 7, the outside width of the central part 73 across theshoulders 79 is essentially the same as the outside width of the railsection). This design forms a flush, gapless interconnection between thesplice 7 and the rail sections 5 and avoids exposing sharp and/orprotruding edges to lines carried by the support system 1, therebypreventing snagging and/or possible damage to the lines.

Because rail sections 5 are often cut to length in the field, resultingin relatively rough saw-cut end edges, it may be desirable to have thedistance between the outside faces of the side walls 79, 81 of thecentral part 73 of the splice 7 be slightly greater (0.002") than thedistance between the outside faces of the side walls 17 of the box beamportions 13 of the rail sections 5, so that the side walls 79, 81 of thecentral part 73 of the splice 7 project slightly laterally outwardlybeyond the relatively rough cut end edges of the rail sections 5,thereby to further protect the lines carried by the system 1.

The fit of the end parts 75 of the splice 7 in the interior spaces 21 ofthe upper box beam portions 13 of the two rail sections 5 beingconnected is a relatively snug fit. That is, the distance between theouter faces of the side walls 91, 93 of the ends parts 75 is onlyslightly less than the distance between the inside faces of the sidewalls 17 of the box beam portions 13, and the overall height of the endparts 75 is only slightly less than the distance between the insidesurfaces of the 15 top and bottom 19 walls of the box beam portions 13.

The end edges of the side walls 91, 93 of the splice 7 are tapered(beveled) to facilitate insertion of the end parts 75 of the splice intothe interior spaces 21 of the box beam portions 13 of respective railsections 5. The fit of the end parts 75 inside the box beam portions 13is preferably a close fit to provide the stabilization necessary for agood connection. Also, in a system where the rail sections 5 and splices7 are of metal, this close fit ensures a continuous electricalconnection (for grounding purposes) between the rail sections 5.

The central part 73 and end parts 75 of the splice 7 are preferablyintegrally formed as a one-piece extrusion from the same material usedto form the rail sections 5. To form a splice 7, a continuous extrusionhaving a cross sectional shape corresponding to that of the splice 7 issimply cut to a length corresponding to the height of the splice.

Means 77 for securing the end parts 75 of the splice 7 in respective boxbeam portions 13 of the two rail sections 5 comprises a snap fastener,generally designated 101, on each end part 75 of the splice 7 receivablein an opening 103 in a box beam portion 13 of a respective rail 5 (FIG.8A). The opening 103 for receiving this snap fastener 101 is preferablyin either the top 15 or bottom 19 wall of the box beam portion 13, asopposed to being in a side wall 17 where the fastener 101 mightinterfere with the lines being carried by the supports.

The snap fastener 101 comprises a cylindric detent 105 with a roundedend mounted in the sleeve 95 of each end part 75 of the splice 7 formovement between a retracted position for enabling the end part 75 to beinserted into the interior space 21 of a box beam portion 13 of arespective rail section 5, and a locking position in which the detent105 projects out of one end of the sleeve 95 and is received in theopening 103. As best shown in FIG. 8, a coil spring 107 reacting againsta cylindric stop 109 generally adjacent the opposite one end of thesleeve 95 urges the detent 105 toward its locking position. The spring107 is suitably affixed to the stop 109 and to the detent 105 so thatthe stop, spring and detent may be inserted as a unit in the bore of thesleeve 95. The stop 109 has a friction fit inside the sleeve 95 tomaintain the unit in fixed position after insertion.

The detent 105 preferably projects only a small distance out of thesleeve 95, so that when an end part 75 of the splice 7 is inserted intoa respective rail section 5, the rounded part of the detent 105 engagesthe end of the rail section 5 and is automatically cammed down into thesleeve 95 (against the bias of the spring 107) to permit the splice 7 tobe fully inserted into the rail 5. The opening 103 in the top 15 (orbottom 19) wall of the box beam portion 13 of the rail section 5 ispositioned so that the detent 105 moves into vertical alignment with theopening 103 substantially at the same time the end edges of the railsection 5 move into abutting engagement with the shoulders 99 on thecentral part 73 of the splice 7, at which point the detent 105 snapsoutwardly under the force of the spring 107 through the opening 103 inthe rail section 5 to fasten the splice 7 to the rail section. It willbe observed that this connection is achieved without the aid of nut andbolt fasteners, thus minimizing the number of component parts necessaryto make the connection. This design also makes assembly much quicker andeasier, and avoids the risk of misplacement or droppage of fastenerparts which might interfere with the operation of nearby sensitiveelectrical equipment and the like.

As previously stated, it is preferable that the spring detents 105 snapthrough openings 103 in the top 15 and/or bottom 19 walls of the boxbeam portions 13 of rail sections 5. This keeps protruding parts andrough edges away from the sides of the rail sections 5 where the datatransmission lines and the like are located. However, it is contemplatedthat the detent openings 103 may be in the side walls 17 of the railsections 5 without departing from the is scope of this invention.

While use of a snap fastener design of the present invention has certainadvantages, it will be understood that other types of fasteners may beused to secure a splice 7 to two rail sections 5 being connected. Forexample, it may be desirable to use a nut and bolt fastener on occasion.In such cases the end parts 75 of the splice 7 are inserted into the boxbeam portions 13 of the rail sections 5 until the bores defined by thevertical sleeves 95 of the end parts are vertically aligned with theopenings 103 in the top walls 15 of box beam portions 13 of respectiverail sections 5. Bolts or threaded support rods may then be insertedthrough the vertically aligned openings and sleeve bores and secured inplace by nuts. It will be noted that such bolts or threaded support rodsmay extend all the way through the rail sections 5, in which casevertically aligned openings 103 are provided in the top 15 and bottom 19walls of the upper box beam portion 13 of the rail section 5, and in thelower wall 27 of the lower portion 23 of the rail section 5.

While the use of nut and bolt fasteners and/or threaded rods in thismanner does not afford all of the advantages of a snap fastener designof the type described above, the vertical orientation of the fastenersstill provides the important advantage of maintaining all projectingfasteners away from the sides of the rail sections 5, thereby avoidingcontact with the lines being carried by the system.

The aforementioned grooves 31 in the top 15 and bottom 19 walls of theupper box beam portion of each rail section 5, and in the lower wall 27of the lower portion 23 of the rail section 5, are to facilitatedrilling of the openings 103 for the fasteners (e.g. detents, bolts,support rods) used to secure the splice 7 to the rail section. Thesegrooves function to properly locate the openings 103 (in a lateraldirection with respect to the rail section 5) and to provide an initialbite for a drill bit. As noted previously, the central longitudinalportions of the top 15 and bottom 19 walls and the lower wall 27 are ofreduced thickness to facilitate. drilling any necessary fasteneropenings.

FIG. 9 shows a splice, generally designated 111, in which the centralpart of the splice is of two-part construction, one part being indicatedat 113 and the other part at 115. Each of the two parts 113, 115 extendsthe full height of the splice 111 and forms a part of the verticalsleeve defining bore 117. Means comprising a plurality threadedfasteners, each designated 119, are threaded into aligned bores (notshown) in the two parts 113, 115 for removably fastening the two partstogether, so that one part may be detached from the other to permit sideentry of a support rod (e.g., rod 9) into the bore 117 defined by thesleeve, followed by reattachment of the two parts. This design isparticularly useful where the support rod 9 is located so that its lowerend is not readily passable through the central sleeve defining bore 117of the splice 111.

FIG. 10 shows a tee splice 121 for connecting three rail sections at 90degrees relative to one another. The splice has a central part 123 likethe central part 73 of the straight splice 7 described above, a pair ofend parts, each designated 125, like the end parts 75 of the straightsplice 7 previously described, and a side part 127 extending laterallyfrom the central part 123. The side part 127 has a pair of side walls129, 131, an end wall 133 affixed (as by welding) face-to-face with aside wall 135 of the central part 123 of the splice 121, and a verticalsleeve 137 centrally supported between the side walls 129, 131 by a pairof webs 139. The end parts 125 and side part 127 are adapted to beinserted into the upper box beam portions 13 of three rail sections 5 tobe connected until the vertical bores defined by the sleeves 137 arevertically aligned with openings 103 in the rail sections 5. Meanscomprising fasteners (e.g., snap fasteners 101, nut and bolt fasteners,threaded support rods) extending through the aligned bores of sleeves137 and openings 103 are used to secure the end 125 and side parts 127of the splice 121 in respective rail sections 5, as described previouslyin connection with the straight splice 7. The side part 127 of the teesplice 121 is formed with a pair of shoulders 141 engageable by the endedges of a rail section 5 to provide a flush, gapless connection betweenthe outside surfaces of the side walls 17 of the upper box beam portion13 of the rail section 5 and the vertical end surfaces of the end wall133 of the side part 127 of the splice 121. The end edges of the sidepart 127 and end parts 125 of the splice 121 are tapered to facilitateinsertion of the parts into respective rails sections 5.

FIG. 11 shows a cross splice 143 for connecting four rail sections in across formation at 90 degrees relative to one another. The splice 143 isidentical to the tee-splice 121 described above except that it has asecond side part 145 identical to side part 127 extending from theopposite side wall 147 of the central part 123 of the splice 143 (foridentification purposes, corresponding parts of the two side parts aredesignated by the same reference numerals). The end parts 125 and sideparts 127, 145 of the cross splice 143 are adapted to be inserted intothe upper box beam portions 13 of four rail sections 5 to be connecteduntil the vertical bores defined by the sleeves 137 are verticallyaligned with openings 103 in the rail sections 5. Means comprisingfasteners (e.g., snap fasteners 101, nut and bolt fasteners, threadedsupport rods) extending through the aligned bores of sleeves 137 andopenings 103 are used to secure the end 125 and side parts 127, 145 ofthe splice 143 in respective rail sections 5, as described previously inconnection with the straight splice 7.

FIG. 12 illustrates a pivot splice of the present invention, generallydesignated 151, having a pair of end parts, each designated 153,receivable in the upper box beam portions of two rail sections to beconnected. The end parts 153 of this splice 151 are substantiallyidentical to the end parts of the splices previously described, exceptthat the end wall 155 of one end part 153 is formed with an upper sleevepart 157 and the end wall 155 of the other end part is formed with alower sleeve part 159. The two end parts 153 are adapted to be used asshown in FIG. 13, with the upper and lower sleeve parts 157, 159combining to form a single vertical sleeve for the reception of avertical pivot member (i.e., rod 9) therethrough to permit pivoting ofthe end parts 153 relative to one another about the vertical axis of thepivot member. This in turn permits the two rail sections 5 connected bythe splice 151 to pivot relative to one another in a generallyhorizontal plane. Each end part of the splice 151 is provided with afastener (e.g., a snap fastener 101 as shown in FIG. 13) for securingthe end part 153 to the rail section 5 in which the end part isreceived.

It will be observed that the two end parts 153 of the vertical pivotsplice 151 and their respective sleeve parts 157, 159 are formed asintegral one-piece parts that are identical in construction. That is,the upper vertical sleeve part 157 and its respective end part 153 areintegrally formed as a single (first) piece, and the lower verticalsleeve part 159 and its respective end part 153 are integrally formed asa single (second) piece, the two (first and second) pieces beingidentical pieces which can be used interchangeably.

FIG. 14 shows a pivot splice, generally indicated at 161, for use in thesystem of this invention for permitting relative pivoting betweenadjacent rail sections 5 about a generally horizontal axis. The splice161 comprises a pair of end parts, each designated 163, receivable inthe upper box beam portions 13 of two rail sections 5 to be connected.The end parts 163 of this splice 161 are substantially identical to theend parts 153 of the splices 151 previously described, except that avertical plate 165 extends endwise from the end wall 167 of each endpart 163. The two end parts 163 are adapted to be used as shown in FIG.15, with the two plates 165 face-to-face and pinned together by a pivotmember 169 (e.g., a nut and bolt fastener) for pivoting of the plates165 and their respective end parts 163 about the horizontal axis of thepivot member 169 to any selected position of angular adjustment. Eachplate 165 is also provided with an arcuate slot 171 and a circular hole173, the arrangement being such that a bolt 175 (which may referred toin general terms as locking means) may be inserted through the hole 173in one plate and the slot 171 of the other plate and then tightened tolock the two plates 165 and their respective end parts 163 in thedesired position of angular adjustment. It will be observed, therefore,that this splice 161 design permits pivotal movement of two railsections 5 relative to one another in a generally vertical plane. Eachend part 163 of the splice 161 is provided with a fastener (e.g., a snapfastener 101 as shown in FIG. 8) for securing the end part 163 to therail section 5 in which the end part is received.

It will be observed that the two end parts 163 of the horizontal pivotsplice 161 and their respective plates 165 are formed as integralone-piece parts that are identical in construction. As a result, thesplice 161 parts can be used interchangeably.

As best illustrated in FIG. 16, the narrow configuration of the supports11 and the use of the horizontal 161 and vertical 151 pivot splices ofthis invention enables the rail sections 5 to weave ("snake") around,over and under structural elements 177 such as columns, ductwork andother members which might otherwise block installation. This makes thesystem 1 of the present invention not only adapted for use in newconstruction, but also especially adaptable for installation in existingbuildings where structural members cannot readily be moved, and wherelarge open areas permitting long straight runs are limited ornon-existent.

FIG. 17 illustrates a second type of rail design in which a series ofrungs 181 project laterally outwardly from a single rail 183 forcarrying runs of data transmission lines and the like. The rail 183 isdivided into a plurality of rail sections, each generally designated185. In this design, each rail section 185 is rectangular in crosssection and has a pair of opposing, generally parallel side walls 187,189, first and second spaced-apart, generally parallel top and bottomconnecting walls 191, 193 connecting the side walls 187, 189, and ahorizontal partition 195 extending between the side walls 187, 189dividing the interior of the rail section 5 into first 197 (upper) andsecond 199 (lower) interior spaces. The upper interior space 197 has across sectional shape and dimensions substantially identical to those ofthe upper interior space 21 defined by the upper box beam portion 13 ofthe first rail sections 5 previously described. This is importantbecause it enables the splices of the same design to be used with bothtypes of rail sections. That is, each of the splices previouslydescribed for use with rail sections 5 of the first type can also beused with rail sections 185 of the second type shown in FIG. 17.

Each rail section 185 of the second type is provided with openings 201adjacent its ends for receiving means to secure the end parts of thesplices (e.g., end parts 75 of splice 7 as shown in FIG. 17) in place.As noted previously, this means may be a snap fastener 101 on the endpart 75 of a splice 7 receivable in an opening 201 in the top wall 191or partition 195 of the rail section 185, or a vertical bolt or supportrod extending through a vertical bore defined in a sleeve 95 in thesplice 7 and vertically aligned openings 201 in the top and bottom walls191, 193 and partition 195 of the rail section 185. The openings 201 inthe rail sections 185 may be factory or field drilled, as appropriate.To facilitate this drilling, the central longitudinal portions of thetop and bottom walls 191, 193 of the rail section 185 are of reducedthickness (see FIG. 17). Moreover, grooves 203 are provided in the uppersurface of the top wall 191 and the bottom surface of the bottom wall193 along the central vertical plane of the rail section 185 to ensureproper lateral placement of the openings 201 and to provide an initialbite for a drill bit.

The rungs 181 of the system shown in FIG. 18 are tubular members ofnon-circular (e.g., rectangular) cross section which extend throughopenings (not shown) in the side walls 187, 189 of the rail sections 185and through the lower interior space 199 of the rail section immediatelybelow the partition 195. The shapes of the openings in the side walls187, 189 of the rail sections 185 correspond to the cross sectionalshapes of the rungs 181, and the rungs are dimensioned to have arelatively snug fit between the partition 195 and the bottom wall 193 ofthe rail section 185 to provide added stability. Each rung 181 issuitably secured (as by a staking operation) to the rail section 185 toprevent lateral movement of the rung 181 relative to the rail section185. The outer ends of the rungs 181 are bent upwardly to hold the linesbeing carried on the rungs.

The rail sections 185 may also be used in the manner shown in FIG. 19 inwhich each rail section is inverted so that wall 193 faces up and wall191 faces down. The rungs 181 are installed to extend through theinterior space 199, as in the previous design, and the bent outer endsof the rungs 181 extend upwardly.

FIG. 20 shows a rail section 185 mounted on a wall (e.g., wall 53) bymeans of a horizontal fastener 205. In this mounting arrangement, therungs 181 extend laterally outwardly from the rail section 185 at onlyone side of the rail section. Otherwise the rung design is identical tothat previously described.

FIG. 21 illustrates how a rail section 185 of the second configurationmay be used with the trunk-and-arm supports of the type previouslydescribed. In this arrangement, the upper end 39 of the trunk 35 of eachsupport 11 extends up through an opening (not shown) in the bottom wall193 of the rail section 185 and abuts the partition 195. The trunk 35 issecured in place by a suitable fastener (e.g., fastener 45 shown in FIG.3) extending through a side wall 187 or 189 of the rail section 185.

FIG. 22 illustrates another aspect of the system 1 of this inventioncomprising a circular hub 211 adapted to be supported in a horizontalposition at a fixed elevation by means of a support rod 213, forexample. As illustrated, a vertical sleeve 215 extends up from thecenter of the hub 211 for receiving the support rod 213 and providingthe necessary stability. A plurality of rail connectors, each generallydesignated 217, are provided for connecting a series of rail sections(e.g., rail section 185) to the hub 211 in positions in which the railsections radiate out from the hub. In FIG. 22, the rails sections 185are illustrated as being of the second configuration described above,but it will be understood that rail sections 5 of the first (FIG. 1)configuration can also be used.

In accordance with this invention, each rail connector 217 is identicalto one of the end parts 153 used in the vertical pivot splice 151described above, having a first connector portion 219 comprising an endwall 221, two generally parallel side walls 223, 225 extending from theend wall 221, and a sleeve 227 defining a vertical bore centrallysupported between the side walls 223, 225 by a pair of webs 229. Theside walls 223, 225 are spaced apart a distance only slightly less thanthe distance between the side walls 187, 189 of a rail section 185 beingconnected to the hub 211, and the overall height of the first connectorportion 219 is only slightly less than that of the upper interior space197 of the rail section 185 between its top wall 191 and the partition195. The design is such that the first connector portion 219 is sizedfor a relatively snug fit inside the upper interior space 197 of therail section 185. The first connector portion 219 is designed to beinserted into the rail section 185 to a position in which the boredefined by the vertical sleeve 215 is vertically aligned with suitableopenings (not shown) in the top wall 191 and/or bottom wall 193 and/orpartition 195 of the rail section 185 so that a suitable fastener, suchas a snap fastener, bolt 101a or vertical support rod may inserted tosecure the rail section 185 to the rail connector 217.

The rail connector 217 also includes a second connector portion 231comprising a vertical sleeve 233 attached to the first connector portion219. As shown in FIG. 22, the vertical sleeve 233 has a height which isabout one-half the overall height of the rail connector 217. The first219 and second 231 connector portions are preferably of one-piececonstruction.

The rail connectors 217 are releasably connected to the hub 211 by pinmeans comprising a plurality of pins 235 (e.g., a bolts) passing throughthe vertical sleeves 233 down through a series of holes 237 in the hub211 spaced at intervals around the hub adjacent the periphery thereof.The number of holes 237 may vary as needed. In the embodiment of FIG.22, the pivotal movement of the rail sections 185 about the verticalaxes of the pins 235 is severely limited (and may be completelyprevented, if desired) by the engagement of the lower part of a railsection 185 with the rim of the hub 211.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative hub design in which the rim 239 of the hub241 is recessed as indicated at 243 between adjacent holes 245, and inwhich the rail connectors 217 are installed in a position invertedrelative to the position shown in FIG. 22. This design permits the railsections 185 to pivot freely (within a certain range) about the verticalaxes of respective pins 235 to selected positions of angular adjustment.The range of pivotal movement is limited by the engagement of flats onthe rail connector 217 with flats formed in the recessed areas 243 ofthe hub 241.

Referring to FIGS. 24-28, an elongate support structure of thisinvention is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 251.This structure 251 comprises a thin vertical wall 253 extendinglengthwise of the structure generally centrally with respect thereto,and a plurality of tray members, each designated 255, extendinglaterally outwardly from the wall 253 at opposite sides of the wall atdifferent elevations with respect to the wall. The tray members 255 andwalls 253 combine to form a plurality of elongate horizontal traysextending lengthwise of the structure at different elevations forsupporting in the trays a series of horizontal runs of date transmissionlines and the like at the different elevations. A horizontal flange 257runs the length of the structure 251 along the top of the wall 253. Thetray structure 2S1 is preferably formed as a one-piece extrusion frommetal or plastic, as needed.

The tray structure 251 is adapted to be supported in a horizontalposition by hangers, each generally designated 259, engageable with theupper horizontal flange 257 of the structure. As shown in FIG. 25, thehanger 259 comprises a pair of legs 261, 263 connected at their upperends by a connecting piece 265 having an opening (not shown) therein forreceiving a vertical support rod (e.g., rod 9). The lower ends of thehanger legs 261, 263 are bent inwardly at 269 for engagement with theunderside of the flange 257. A bolt 271 through the legs 261, 263 can betightened to draw the legs together to secure the hanger 259 to theflange 257. Other hanger designs may also be suitable.

It will be understood that the number and location of tray members 255may vary. The configuration of the tray members 255 may also vary fromthat shown in the drawing. For example, in FIG. 25 the tray members 255are shown as having flat bottoms 273 and upwardly and outwardly inclinedside walls 275, but it is also contemplated that the tray members 255may have rounded configurations or vertical side walls.

Splices, each generally designated 277, are used to connect the aplurality of tray structures 251 end to end. As shown in FIG. 26, eachsplice 277 has a generally central part 279 and a pair of end parts,each indicated at 281, extending from the central part 279 forengagement with the wall 253 of the tray structures 251 to be connected.As viewed in horizontal cross section (FIG. 28), the central part 279 isa generally rectangular. The end parts 281 extend endwise from oppositesides 283, 285 of the central part 279, and each end part 281 has avertical slot 287 therein extending inwardly from the outer end of theend part 281 into the central part 279 of the splice 277 for receivingan edge of the wall 253 of a respective tray structure 251. The width ofeach slot 287 is preferably slightly greater than the thickness of thewall 253 so that the wall is received in the slot 287 without flexing ofthe two walls 289, 291 of the end part on opposite sides of the slot.The slots 287 in the two end parts 281 are generally coplanar, so thatthe walls 253 of the two tray structures 251 connected by the splice 277are coplanar when they are received in the slots 287. The inner ends ofthe two vertical slots 287 should be as closely spaced to one another aspossible while maintaining the necessary structural integrity andstrength of the splice 277, so that the ends of two tray structures 251connected by the splice are as close together as possible to provide arelatively smooth continuous tray surface.

A plurality of nut and bolt fasteners constitute means for securing theend parts 281 of the splice 277 to respective tray structures 251, thebolt 293 of each such fastener extending through a horizontal hole 295in each end part 281, and through an aligned hole 297 in the wall 253 ofthe structure 251 where it is secured by the nut 299. Other types ofscrew fasteners may be used.

An appropriate number of splices 277 should be used to connect two traystructures 251. This number will vary depending on such factors as theoverall height of the two structures.

The tray structure 251 of the type described is particularly useful inapplications where containment and/or extra support of the lines beingcarried is important.

It will be observed from the foregoing that the system 1 of thisinvention has numerous advantages, many of which have already beendiscussed. One particular advantage which merits further mention,however, is that the support structures of this invention, particularlythe structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 24, maximize the utilization ofvertical corridor space while using relatively little horizontalcorridor space, which is particularly important when installing supportsystems in existing building where horizontal corridor space may beseverely limited. The minimum number of component parts needed for thesystem 1 provides for economical manufacture and facilitatesinstallation. Placement of the lines on the system of this invention isalso quickly and easily accomplished, and lines may be segregated atdifferent elevations or on different supporting surfaces according tofunction, application or other selected criteria. Moreover, the variousruns of cable, data transmission lines and the like are supportedwithout exposure to rough or protruding edges, or to fasteners or otherelements which might snag or damage the lines. The system of the presentinvention is highly flexible and can be utilized in virtually anyapplication.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support system for data transmission lines andthe like, comprisinga rail section adapted to be supported generallyhorizontally, the rail section having a hollow box beam portiongenerally rectangular in cross-section, a series of rungs extendinglaterally outward from the rail section for supporting said lines, asplice for connecting the rail section and another structure, saidsplice having a central part having a pair of side walls, said centralpart having a first end longitudinally spaced from a second end along alongitudinal axis, and first and second end parts, said first end partextending longitudinally from said first end, and said second end partextending longitudinally from said second end, wherein each of saidfirst and said second end parts extend along said longitudinal axis, thefirst end part being receivable in an open end of the box beam portionof said rail section and the second end part being connectable to saidstructure, the central part, first end part and second end part of thesplice being integrally formed as a one-piece extrusion, said extrusionbeing in a direction substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal axis,and a fastener for securing the first end part of the splice in the boxbeam portion of said rail section, the central part of the splice havingan outside width immediately adjacent the first end part of the spliceessentially the same as an outside width of the rail section immediatelyadjacent its said open end, the outside width of the first end partbeing less than the outside width of the central part of the splice at alocation immediately adjacent the first end part, thereby forming a pairof shoulders at opposite sides of the central part immediately adjacentthe first end part, said shoulders being adapted to butt up against saidopen end of the rail section at opposite sides of the rail section whenthe first end part is inserted into the rail section thereby to providesmooth junctures between the central part of the splice and the railsection at said opposite sides of the rail section when the first endpart of the splice is received in said rail section.
 2. A support systemfor data transmission lines as set forth in claim 1 wherein the centralpart and end parts of the splice have generally coplanar upper surfacesand generally coplanar lower surfaces.
 3. A support system for datatransmission lines as set forth in claim 1 wherein the side wall of thecentral part of the splice are generally parallel and have outer facesspaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing between outer facesof opposite side walls of the box beam portion of said rail sectionwhereby when the first end part of the splice is received in the boxbeam portion of the rail section, the outer faces of the side walls ofthe splice are coplanar with the outer faces of the rail section, andwherein the central part and end parts of the splice have generallycoplanar upper surfaces and generally coplanar lower surfaces.
 4. Asupport system for data transmission lines as set forth in claim 1wherein said structure comprises a second rail section having a hollowbox beam portion and wherein the second end part of the splice isconfigured for reception in an open end of the box beam portion of thesecond rail section, and wherein the central part of the splice has anoutside width immediately adjacent the second end part of the spliceessentially the same as an outside width of the second rail sectionimmediately adjacent its said open end thereby to provide smoothjunctures between the central part of the splice and the second railsection at opposite sides of the rail section when the second end partof the splice is received in said second rail section.
 5. A supportsystem for data transmission lines as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidfastener for securing the first end part of the splice in the box beamportion of said rail section comprises a snap fastener on the first endpart of the splice receivable in an opening in the box beam portion ofthe rail section.
 6. A support system as set forth in claim 5 whereinsaid opening is in the top wall of the box beam portion of the railsection.
 7. A support system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the centralpart of the splice has a vertical opening extending through the splicefor receiving a support rod to suspend the splice from a structuralmember.
 8. A support system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spliceis a tee splice having a side part extending laterally from said centralpart, the end and side parts of the splice being receivable in the boxbeam portions of three rail sections to be connected in a T-formation bythe splice, and means for securing the end and side parts of the splicein respective box beam portions of the three rail sections, said teesplice being dimensioned and configured to provide smooth juncturesbetween the splice and opposite sides of the box beam portion of each ofsaid three rail sections.
 9. A support system as set forth in claim 8wherein said means for securing the end and side parts of said splice inrespective box beam portions of said three rail sections comprises asnap fastener on each end part and side part of the splice receivable inan opening in a respective box beam portion.
 10. A support system as setforth in claim 1 wherein said splice is a cross splice having two sideparts extending laterally from opposite sides of said central part, theend and side parts of the splice being receivable in the box beamportions of four rail sections to be connected in a cross-formation bythe splice, and means for securing the end and side parts of the splicein respective box beam portions of the four rail sections, said crosssplice being dimensioned and configured to provide smooth juncturesbetween the splice and opposite sides of the box beam portion of each ofsaid four rail sections.
 11. A support system as set forth in claim 10wherein said means for securing the end and side parts of said splice inrespective box beam portions of said four rail sections comprises a snapfastener on each end part and side part of the splice receivable in anopening in a respective box beam portion.
 12. A support system as setforth in claim 1 further comprising a pivot splice having a pair of endparts, the end parts being receivable in the box beam portions of tworail sections to be connected by the splice, means for securing the endparts of the splice in respective box beam portions of the two railsections, and pivot means for pivotally connecting the end parts to oneanother for pivotal movement of the end parts relative to one anotherabout a generally vertical axis, said pivoting enabling pivotal movementof two rail sections relative to one another in a generally horizontalplane when the rail sections are connected by said pivot splice, saidpivot splice being dimensioned and configured to provide smoothjunctures between the splice and opposite sides of the box beam portionof each of said two rail sections.
 13. A support system as set forth inclaim 12 wherein said pivot means comprises an upper vertical sleevepart on one end part of the splice and a lower vertical sleeve part onthe other end part of the splice, said upper and lower vertical sleeveparts combining to form a vertical sleeve for receiving an elongatepivot member therethrough to permit pivotal movement of one end partrelative to the other end part.
 14. A support system as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the upper vertical sleeve part and said one end part ofthe splice are integrally formed as a first piece, and the lowervertical sleeve part and said other end part of the splice areintegrally formed as a second piece, said first and second pieces beingidentical pieces.
 15. A support system as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising a pivot splice having a pair of end parts, the end partsbeing receivable in the box beam portions of two rail sections to beconnected by the splice, means for securing the end parts of the splicein respective box beam portions of the two rail sections, and pivotmeans for pivotally connecting the end parts to one another for pivotalmovement of the end parts relative to one another about a generallyhorizontal axis, said pivoting enabling pivotal movement of two railsections relative to one another in a generally vertical plane when therail sections are connected by said pivot splice, said pivot splicebeing dimensioned and configured to provide smooth junctures between thesplice and opposite sides of the box beam portion of each of said tworail sections.
 16. A support system as set forth in claim 15 whereinsaid pivot means comprises a pair of vertical plates on the end parts ofthe splice disposed face-to-face with one another, and pin meansextending through holes in the vertical plates for enabling pivotalmovement of the two plates relative to one another about a generallyhorizontal axis.
 17. A support system as set forth in claim 16 whereinone of said vertical plates and one end part of the splice areintegrally formed as a first piece, and the other of said verticalplates and the other end part of the splice are integrally formed as asecond piece, said first and second pieces being identical pieces.
 18. Asupport system as set forth in claim 15 further comprising means forlocking said end parts of the splice in selected positions of angularpivotal adjustment relative to one another.
 19. A support system as setforth in claim 18 wherein said pivot means comprises a pair of verticalplates on the end parts of the splice disposed face-to-face with oneanother, and pin means extending through holes in the vertical platesfor enabling pivotal movement of the two plates relative to one anotherabout a generally horizontal axis.